Would you press charges?

gregb

Sounds like a tough situation. I feel for you and the employee. After thinking about it, I would call the police, BUT I would be sure to make it clear to the police that you are not interested in pressing charges. In doing so, the police will talk to this individual and really let him know that what he did was wrong. They will not get him in trouble with the law, they will not arrest him, and they won't take him to jail. They will simply warn him. Hopefully, this experience will serve as a reminder to the employee that the law is the law, regardless...

God bless ya. The fact that you are being considerate of this person's disorder and their situation says a lot about you.

Maria

If the problem isn't addressed at some point, you may be hurting him worse by letting it go. What if next time, it is more serious than you think? Bank robbery?

Perhaps, it would address why he should still be on meds.

trooper3316

Bi polar disorder causes mood swings. It does not prevent you from knowing right from wrong. If he told you otherwise, he is using it as an excuse.

He may be a son to you, but he certainly doesn't view you as family.

Tommy H

I would, even if you think of him as a son, he must not think of you as a mother, if he will steal from you he would steal from anyone. He needs to be taught a lesson, who knows what he has stolen and has not been caught with. I am sure you are not his first.

LIBERTY4EVER

He's 19 and an adult. You may legally choose to press charges (which will sever any emotional ties you may have with him) or you can choose to fire him and still sever your ties with him. Tough call. But this wouldn't "normally would neversteal from you" line is a bit of an enabler. He is wrong. Period.

EDIT:

You said you may not "legally" be able to tell his mom. Understood...then that would be discrimination. PLUS he IS an adult (as I said above). I think you should call the cops, not press charges or have him arrested or anything. But "scare" him and fire him. Let him know you still love, care for or wish the best for him, but he has broken your trust and he has shown wanton disregard to taking his meds and is using his "illness" as a crutch. Get away from him ASAP. Good luck

Love Canada

Being fired from what I perceive would be a good job is probably punishment enough, with return of the money of course and loss of "like a father"

Alex M

If he's like a son to you then you probably know his parents, then call them up and let them know of what happened (and that he confessed to it). And then I would fire him because you can't trust him anymore.

Or you can just call the cops and let them take it from there. They'll call his parents and then you have to decide to press charges or not. Good luck.

maine_vampire2006

You have to consider your buisness first. I think that since you confronted him and he admitted it that i would not press charges. I would of course make him give the money back. I might ask him to take time off (not quite fire him) to get his meds in order and get straightened out, then give him a second chance. Everyone makes mistakes. If it happens again...well id have to consider letting him go.

natalie_isfunkadelic

No, i would just tell him to never come back.

Obama Hood - Spread the Wealth

Obviously this guy crossed the line. Regardless if he is like a son to you, he broke the law and stole from you. I would have him give you the money, fire him, and tell him never to step foot on your property again. Otherwise you will press charges.

BobApril

Probably not, if he was "like a son to me." But I also wouldn't keep him in the shop.

Marlon K

If he was like a son to me, I don't think I would. Whether that's right or not, I don't know. Certainly make sure he doesn't steal again. Try to help him.

kenbgray

I would not call the police, but what makes you think that you can't talk to his mother? I would tell her what happened and let it go at that.

FootballChick

No. But he would not be able to work for me any longer. I would talk to a family member or friend that is close to him and explain the situation. Also, talk to him and explain your feelings

mayjay1520

just threaten to and tell him to take his meds and tell him if he does it again you will

*Lucy*

"Would normally never steal from you" ???

I wouldn't let it just slide, I'd definatly have something to say about it. If you really feel this person is a friend, talk to him.

I would most likely fire him. But on the other hand, maybe he got himself into trouble, and needed to come up with some money? Talk to him about it. If you decide not to fire him, definatly keep an eye on him, and if something fishy happens again, give him the boot!

nickibaby64

i wouldn't

though stealing is not a characteristic of bi-polar disorder,
impulse is.

what you should do is kindly ask him to get back on his meds. and if not you should refer him back to his psychiatrist

Talaupa

With his being like a son to you, and bi-polar to boot, I would talk it over with his parents IMMEDIATELY. You may tell him too that what he has done was wrong and to give you the money so that you can return it before he gets into trouble.

Other than that, no, I wouldn't press charges. Unless, of course, your reputation or job security is being jeopardized.

woodchucker

Chances are,he won't be convicted, just get rid of him!

B diddy

up to you really if u trust him that he wont do it again but since he is off his meds he isn't in his right mind he may think of doing crazy things if he were to get in trouble but idk that's a hard one he does need to learn a lesson being so young and doing that

murmansk

depends you could just mention it to a doctor or something if you want to be lenient. Or you could say to him we know what your doing we know who you are we want it to stop were watching you.

Or you could press charges

your moma

if he gave it back and is off his meds and all, then i would just suspend him

Chase

hmmm... interesting... i would say i will not report him to authority but rather try to send him to someone that could help like psychologists or something. he doesnt deserve to go to jail if he is sick.

kelly

It depens on how extreme it gets. But if you catch him agian then call the police.

gator

well, whats in it for you if you turn him in? If you do, would you be willing to defend him in court? I"d mind my own business unless he was my real son.

Skylight

If he gave it back, I would just suspend him from work for awhile. That'll teach him not to do that again.

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